Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 7:

In college, my roommate Steph and I would put on my ipod to this certain playlist with some of our favorite bands. We were particularity creative with this one song - jumping around the room like idiots and laughing so loud that I'm sure we could be heard by the neighbors.

The beginning of the track starts with a slow beat and gradually grows to a fast tempo. Steph and I always imagined some girl looking lost, in a field in Africa around sunrise or sunset. And then she starts walking... and then she starts running... and then she sprinting and smiling as the first verse of the song begins.

I won't go into anymore detail because we DID plan out the entire song.

But you get the picture.

This song "Be Set Free" is by artist Josh Garrels. If you ever get the chance to see him perform live, definitely take the time to do it. He came to CNU my freshman year, and mesmerized the crowd with his one-man-band. By overdubbing, mixing sounds, and using an interesting mix of interments, Josh Garrels puts on a complex and interesting performance.

More information on Josh Garrels: http://www.joshgarrels.com/

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 6:

I was clicking around the internet this morning, and stumbled across a band that reminds me a bit of my first "10 Days of Music" post on Radical Face. As I listened to the Freelance Whales introductory track of their album "Weathervanes," there was a sense that something epic and slightly spooky was about to happen.

The band uses classic interments, but mixes them with multiple forms of media, creating an eclectic sound that matches the theme of their hodgy-podgy website. In one track you
might hear bells and a guitar, while in another there might be an electronic beat.



The band is quoted saying, "the record works to tell a simple, pre-adolescent love story: a young male falls in love with the spectral young femme who haunts his childhood home (source from "History"). Each track follows this tumultuous storyline, reminding me of some updated version of the gothic tale, Weathering Heights.

And by the end of the album, you have to wonder... did the boy ever get the girl?


More information on Freelance Whales: http://www.freelancewhales.com/


Photo Courtesy of: Freelance Whales - MySpace

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 5:

So sorry, but the "10 Days of Music" blog series was on a slight hiatus at the beginning of this week. A friend and I had a last minute opportunity to hop up to NYC for a fews days and start some job-hunting. After resume-dropping, blisters, and Chinatown's insanity with a huge suitcase, I am still in love with The City.

On a more musical note, my recent song craze had me bobbing on a bus to this band, also based in New York...



A few blogs and websites quoted two band members explaining the term "rassle" as being a slang word for wrestle that was said often in their home state of Texas.

The Rassle is comprised of Blair Van Nort, Reed Van Nort, Erik Ratensperger, Mark Solomich. Several of the guys were also members of NYC rock bands, The Virgins and The Young Lords.

More information on The Rassle (and some free EPs): http://www.myspace.com/


Photo Courtesy of: ralph24's Photobucket

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 4:

This is one of those songs that came on my ipod as I was walking down the street, covered by the shade of massive trees overhead. I really wanted to dance in the road, and slowly have neighbors come out and start dancing with me. By the second chorus of the song I expected to turn onto my street with hundreds of people behind me...all dancing!

Alas, only a squirrel followed me home - which I promptly ran from because he was albino and had creepy red eyes.

Anyways, I love the nostalgic 60s sort of introduction to this song. Sometimes I want to listen a tune from a different decade, but can't quite find what I'm looking for in my "Classics" playlist. This band satisfies that craving.

And I love the idea behind this song: What are you doing with your life? Well... you'll figure that out, but you've always got people by your side to help you along the way.

Music By: The Americans

This group consists of six members: Charlie Klarsfeld, Kyle Olson, Sissy Clemens, Corey Dozier, Mass Chef, and John Stanesco. They have an eclectic, full sound with lots of vocal parts to enjoy.

More information about The Americans: http://www.myspace.com/theamericansnyc


Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 3:

I was actually introduced to this song on a cold, winter morning in February. An intern at the church we were working at in Newark, NJ decided to get our team pumped for the day by blaring this song over the sanctuary's sound system.

It has a catchy little melody that started an impromptu dance party, and has always since reminded me of energetic mornings - even when you haven't slept or showered in days. Because at least there's always Daylight. And coffee.



Music By: Matt and Kim

This band is comprised of Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino. Both reside in Brooklyn, New York and have gained some of their popularity through creative YouTube videos and Facebook/MySpace uploads.

More information about Matt and Kim: http://mattandkimmusic.com/

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 2:

You get up in the morning, and this song starts to play. It's poppy-hoppy melody has you gliding down the hall with a smile. The words kick in right as you grab the coffee pot, and by the time you're relaxing in the shade catching up on current events, the chorus of the song begins.

Well at least if my life were a musical, that's how it would be. This song if that quintessential good-morning-summertime tune that starts off your day just right.


Music By: She and Him

You might recognize these voices - yes it's the one and only Zooey Deschanel from "500 Days of Summer" and the indie/folk artist M. Ward. They will be performing together in several upcoming festivals and tours, so keep a look out for this dynamic duo.

More information about She and Him: http://www.sheandhim.com/#


Photo courtesy of: Autumn De Wilde

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music


Day 1:

So you're driving back home after you've just graduated college. It's a bittersweet feeling of accomplishment and loss, and you realize that this is the first time you've truly been alone in several weeks.

It's slightly unnerving.

The future lies before you, and there are so many options. Yet you feel "qualified" for nothing, and there's a possibility you may just be an intern your whole life.

And your moving, and your friends are moving, and all of life seems to be moving.

But then you realize, you've done this before. College wasn't once "home." Is was new, scary and exciting. The next place you go will have a similar pattern: new, scary and exciting. Then one day you will wake up, and this future place? It too will be home.

This is what I was thinking as left CNU, for the last time, as a student. Mid-thought, I looked up, and realized I was already home.

Music by: Radical Face

Oh Ben Cooper, how much marvelous music you gave us CNU kids. This song has so many memories - but I found it a most appropriate as I was leaving one home to go to another.

More Information about Radical Face: http://www.radicalface.com/


Blog Facelift

"The Why" has officially switched over to the new Blogger template! I've also added a background picture (Central Park in summer time) and spaced out the sidebars so everything looks a little cleaner.
The colors are also a bit different, and there is a new "email" feature at the bottom of each post. I have to find the new versions for the Twitter and Facebook buttons I had on the old blog, but I need a break from HTLM searching! Hopefully I will be able to update "The Why" in the next several weeks with a few more features and a new post or two.
Happy Summer :)

PS - If all goes according to plan, the next post will include a widget with my "Summer Soundtrack" of a few new and a few old favorite songs for the season.